Changeable Bib

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments are provided for changeable bibs. In one embodiment, among others, a bib includes a backing layer and a replaceable layer that is detachably connected to a bottom portion of the backing layer. The backing layer includes first and second tabs defining a neck opening and is configured to be secured around a neck of a user.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to copending U.S. provisional application entitled “CHANGEABLE BIB” having Ser. No. 61/412,851, filed Nov. 12, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Children often drool or spill food and drink while eating, soaking clothing and causing discomfort. Older adults such as patients in nursing homes may also find themselves in the same position. While a bib can be used to protect the person's clothing, spilled liquids may also soak through the bib and into the clothing. Quick replacement of the bib can minimize, or even prevent, the liquid from soaking into the clothing. However, quick replacement is often hindered by the need to replace the entire bib. Moreover, keeping extra bibs available for replacement may be cumbersome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a bib according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a backing layer of the bib of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a replaceable layer of the bib of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating an example of a backing layer of the bib of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an example of a replaceable layer of the bib of FIG. 1 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are various embodiments related to a bib for children and/or adults. Reference will now be made in detail to the description of the embodiments as illustrated in the drawings, wherein like reference numbers indicate like parts throughout the several views.

With reference to FIG. 1, shown is an example of a bib 100 for children and/or adults. The bib 100 includes a backing layer 103 and a detachably connected a replaceable layer 106. The backing layer 103 includes first and second tabs 109 that extend at a proximal end from a bottom portion 113 to define a neck opening 116. A distal end of the tabs 109 may be overlapped and detachably connected together to secure the bib 100 around the neck of a child. The tabs 109 may be detachably connected by a fastener 119 such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®), a fastening snap, a fastening hook, a button and button hole, etc. In some embodiments, the tabs 109 may include elastic to seal (or close) around the individual's neck when the fasteners 119 are secured. The bottom portion 113 extends down the front of the individual to cover his or her chest and/or stomach.

The backing layer 103 is waterproof to repel drool and other liquids to allow the individual to stay dry. Referring to FIG. 2, the backing layer 103 includes a flexible waterproof liner 203 made of vinyl, plastic, or other appropriate waterproof material. A fabric cover 206 covers the waterproof liner 203. The fabric cover 206 is on a front side (or on both the front side and a back side) of the waterproof liner 203 and may be affixed to the waterproof layer 203 by stitching, adhesive, and/or other appropriate securing means. The fabric cover 206 may be made of a utility fabric in a solid color or in a patterned design. The utility fabric may be a wrinkle free cotton, cotton blend fabric, terry cloth, etc. The color may include, but is not limited to, red, blue, green, black, white, orange, brown, navy blue, and pink. In some implementations, the waterproof liner 203 is a flexible waterproof coating applied to an inner side of the fabric cover 206. For example, the backing layer 103 may be polyurethane laminate (PUL) fabric.

Referring back to FIG. 1, detachably connected to the bottom portion 113 of the backing layer 103 is the replaceable layer 106. The replaceable layer 106 may be detachably connected to the backing layer 103 by one or more fasteners 123 such as, but not limited to, a hook and loop fastener (e.g., Velcro®), a fastening snap, a fastening hook, a button and button hole, and a zipper. The fastener 123 may be affixed to the front of the backing layer 103 and the back of the replaceable layer 106. In some embodiments, the fastener 123 may extend across the entire width of the backing layer 103.

Referring to FIG. 3, the replaceable layer 106 includes a fabric backing 303 covered by an absorbent cover 306. The absorbent cover 306 and the fabric backing 303 may be made of a utility fabric such as, but not limited to, a wrinkle free cotton or cotton blend fabric. The absorbent cover 306 may include patterns and/or designs such as, but not limited to, personal monograms, holiday designs, and college team mascots, logos, and/or colors. Extra material may be included between the absorbent cover 306 and the fabric backing 303 to provide added absorbency. In some embodiments, the replaceable layer 106 is reversible. A reversible replacement layer 106 includes first and second absorbent covers on opposite sides of the replacement layer. Designs may be on both absorbent covers. Appropriate fasteners 123 may be located on both the absorbent covers to secure the replaceable layer 106 to the backing layer 103.

Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is another example a backing layer 103 without a replaceable layer 106 attached. In some embodiments, the fastener 123 may extend across the entire width of the backing layer 103 as illustrated in FIG. 4. In addition, the backing layer 103 may include one or more fixing point(s) 126 such an opening or attachment loop to attach items such as, e.g., a pacifier, a name tag, a wiping cloth, etc. to the backing layer 103. For example, the fixing point 126 may be a button hole that is sized for the attachment of a pacifier with a strap or elastic band. The fixing point 126 may be on a tab 109 or at another location on the backing layer 103 as can be appreciated. The backing layer 103 may also include one or more storage pocket(s) 129 affixed at various locations on the backing layer 103 for storing items. Storage pocket(s) 129 may be on a front side and/or a back side of the backing layer 103. By placing the storage pocket 129 on the back side, the backing layer can provide protection for the items located in the storage pocket 129. In some embodiments, a pocket 129 may be included to store a pacifier.

Referring next to FIG. 5, shown is another example a replaceable layer 106. As with the backing layer 103, the replaceable layer 106 may include one or more fixing point(s) 126 such an opening or attachment loop to attach items such as, e.g., a pacifier to the replaceable layer 106. In addition, one or more storage pocket(s) 129 may be provided at various locations on the replaceable layer 106. For example, a storage pocket 129 may be provided on the backside of the replaceable layer 106. The replaceable layer 106 may also include a crumb catcher 133 extending across the bottom edge of the replaceable layer 106. The crumb catcher 133 is affixed to the replaceable layer 106 along the bottom and sides by stitching, adhesive, and/or other appropriate securing means. The crumb catcher 133 remains open across the top to catch crumbs or other debris that moves down the front surface of the replaceable layer 106.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims. 

1. A bib, comprising: a backing layer including first and second tabs defining a neck opening, the backing layer configured to be secured around a neck of a user; and a replaceable layer detachably connected to a bottom portion of the backing layer.
 2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the backing layer comprises a flexible waterproof liner.
 3. The bib of claim 2, wherein the flexible waterproof liner is vinyl.
 4. The bib of claim 2, wherein the backing layer further comprises a fabric cover covering at least one side of the flexible waterproof liner.
 5. The bib of claim 4, wherein the fabric cover is a solid color.
 6. The bib of claim 4, wherein the fabric cover is a utility fabric.
 7. The bib of claim 2, wherein the flexible waterproof liner is a flexible waterproof coating disposed on a side of a fabric cover.
 8. The bib of claim 1, wherein the first and second tabs include a fastener to secure the backing layer around the neck of the user.
 9. The bib of claim 8, wherein the fastener is a hook and loop fastener.
 10. The bib of claim 1, wherein the replaceable layer is detachably connected to the bottom portion of the backing layer by a hook and loop fastener.
 11. The bib of claim 1, wherein the replaceable layer includes an absorbent cover.
 12. The bib of claim 11, wherein the absorbent cover includes a pattern.
 13. The bib of claim 12, wherein the pattern includes a team logo.
 14. The bib of claim 12, wherein the pattern includes a personal monogram.
 15. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of replaceable layers, each replaceable layer configured to detachably connect to the bottom portion of the backing layer.
 16. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a storage pocket affixed to the bottom portion of the backing layer.
 17. The bib of claim 1, further comprising a crumb catcher affixed to the bottom of the replaceable layer. 